Unlocking the Timeless Gratification of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered – A Fresh Coat of Paint for the Classics

In the world of action-adventure games, few franchises have left as lasting an impact as Legacy of Kain. With its unique blend of dark fantasy, puzzle-solving, and intense combat, the series has captivated gamers for decades. Aspyr, the developer behind the recent Tomb Raider remasters, is now bringing their expertise to the Legacy of Kain franchise, and the results are nothing short of incredible.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Nosgoth, exploring the improvements Aspyr has made to Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered, and whether it’s worth playing once again.

Elevated Raziel… not Reduced

Aspyr’s efforts have breathed new life into the series, with every character, from the lowly grunts to the main players in Crystal Dynamics’ time and space-bending epic, receiving a substantial makeover. The main protagonist, Raziel, has undergone a transformation, with his skeletal figure now appearing more tangible. His once-skull-like hair is now a thick black bonnet, complete with a fringe (or bangs) that hangs down before his glowing white eyes, and his exposed bones and muscles now protrude convincingly through his blue skin.

These changes are easy to admire, thanks to Aspyr’s use of the original source code, which allows for instant switching between new and classic visuals with a single press of the right analog stick.

A New Look for the Classics

The remaster brings a substantial upgrade to the visuals, with every surface in Nosgoth adorned with high-resolution textures that preserve the original’s look and feel. The added details include intricate stone carvings, stained glass windows in strongholds, and the twisted, haunting sinewy strands of the spectral realm.

Controls: A Fresh New Lease on Life

While long-time fans will likely appreciate the new visuals, the control scheme is equally important. Aspyr has wisely revised the twenty-five-year-old control system, bringing a welcome bump in speed and responsiveness. The camera is now tied to the right stick, making exploration more natural and intuitive.

The Lost Levels

One of the most remarkable aspects of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is the addition of the Lost Levels. These previously cut sections from the first game have been restored to a playable state, offering a glimpse into an alternative ending to Soul Reaver. Each small, disconnected playable area provides an interesting curiosity, more a testament to what could have been than a place to spend extensive time.

Should I Play Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered?

If you’re new to the franchise, this remastered package is an exceptional opportunity to experience two iconic games, now enhanced with modern graphics and controls. If you’re a returning player, these remasters will rekindle your passion for the series.

Don’t Play it If…

If you’re extremely sensitive to minor issues like slightly choppy animations or some pop-in texture loading, this remaster might not be the best choice.

Accessibility

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered provides only a few, basic accessibility options. Subtitles are enabled by default, with a subtle gray background, and controller settings can be tweaked with optional vibrations and adjustable stick sensitivity. The game also includes new in-game maps, a compass, and gameplay hints, which can be optional and disabled in the pause menu.

How I Reviewed Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered

I played through the campaigns of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered over a week, seeking out as many secrets as I could find. I explored all the newly curated bonus content, including reading through the various scripts, viewing all the gallery content, and playing in the new Lost Levels. I played on a PS5 with a 4K Sony Bravia TV, using my DualSense controller and PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. I’ve also revisited the original PS1 and PS2 versions of both Soul Reaver games, allowing me to appreciate the differences in controls, visuals, and playability to the new remaster.